Other: Remote Trunk Release

[cliffh]

I am going to shave the trunk lid on my 53 hardtop so I need to work up a remote trunk lid release. Wondering what's been done that worked out well.
Thanks,
Cliff

[Danny]

Use a power lock motor from an older S-10. If you can, look at the set-up for a 70's or 80's model Avanti II with the power remote, or any Avanti for the manual release, which uses a cable similar to the hood release.

[StudeRich]

If any are still around, From them or "other sources", the Old J.C. Whitney Catalog always had Remote Solenoid Kits for Deck Lids.
Those were designed to convert most existing Latches to Remote Electric.

[cliffh]

Yes, there are lots of remote cable kits and solenoid kits etc. I am hoping that someone who has Been There and Done That would see this post and help me out. I'm a believer in not reinventing the wheel when someone else has already worked the kinks out of it.
Cliff

[bensherb]

Hi Cliff. While I've not done it on a '53 Stude, I have on other makes. I've used electric lock motors, generic solenoids and even choke cables mounted near the rear seat. It depends on how much effort is required to trip the latch as to which I'll use. Both electric units require the same installation, but lock motors are usually cheaper and easier to get these days. I prefer solenoids, as they never seem to fail and are strong enough to trip any latch I've come across. Cables work fine, but are a bit trickier to fit without tight bends and are limited by length availability, but are usually cheapest; and they still work when the battery is dead.

If you can find one, the electric trunk latch from 70's Cadillacs are really cool, but they'd require a bit more fab work to fit.

[Ron Dame]

as I recall, my '62 GT lid would stay down without being latched, and my Avanti does as well. Granted, it's not lockable that way, but who ever expects just to lift a deck lid? Maybe you can do the same. I don't recall and rattling from either deck lid either.

[bensherb]

YEP! Mine is unlatched most of the time, usually because I forget to latch it before leaving the garage. I've never heard it bounce. I typically leave it unlatched while in the garage because I don't always carry the keys and I'm too lazy to go get them. I've always liked the '53 lock because you can latch the trunk but not lock it.

[Jeff_H]

The lid on my '53 came from an old hot rod that was shaved. There was a pull cable w/knob (probably from a mower engine or tractor or something) that was situated in the corner of the back seat and went into the trunk to the latch. Old school and cheap way to do it.

I "unshaved" the lid in my project and the key hole was pretty mangled up and a pc of metal brazed over the hole and then leaded. I am sure I spent more time fixing the shaving process than what it took to do it originally!

[cliffh]

Thanks to all who replied. Every bit of info helped me decide what to do. I have ordered a pull cable. I plan on running it through the left end of the cross brace that is just behind the bottom front of the rear seat. Then back, up, and over to the trunk latch. I'll need to modify the bottom edge of the seat frame for access to the knob.

https://watsons-streetworks.com/product/billet-knob-cable-release/